CPCC to launch cosmetology program in August

Channel 9 has exclusive details on a new cosmetology program that will start at Central Piedmont Community College this fall.

Eyewitness News learned the new program could offer some competition in the cosmetology industry in Charlotte.

We stopped by Salon of Evidence in Uptown Charlotte, as owner Charles Nelson was getting prepped for the day.

He's been in business for more than 12 years now, but starting out he says it was a challenge finding a cosmetology school he could afford in Mecklenburg County.  Private and for profit cosmetology schools cost upwards of $20,000. 

Nelson said, "Financially it wasn't good for me at that time, so that's when I looked into Rowan-Cabarrus Community College."

Nelson said many of his cosmetology classmates at Rowan-Cabarrus traveled from Charlotte and other areas.

He was excited to learn that starting this fall, Central Piedmont Community College will be the first public college in Mecklenburg County to launch a cosmetology program.

"I think it's great financially for those really trying to get into the hair industry which is a great industry."

CPCC spokesperson Jeff Lowrance said it's a two-year program will cost less than $10,000 and open with a maximum of 40 students.  Students can also apply for scholarships and financial aid.   

CPCC's cosmetology program will be housed in the City View Center on Alleghany Street and Ashley Road in West Charlotte. The building will undergo more than $1 million in renovations.

Lowrance said, "At any one time there will be 40 students in the salon stations learning how to cut and color hair, do manicures and facials."  The school will operate as a full service salon, open to the public. 

In addition to the cosmetology courses being offered, students will also be required to take a small business management course. The college hopes it will better prepare students to open their own salons when they graduate.

Nelson said, "I think it's a demand because a lot of people want to do entrepreneurship now more than ever."

CPCC's cosmetology program will start in August.  The college is working to hire a program director and faculty right now and then will start taking applications from potential students.  

If you are interested the program, call 704-330-2722.

WSOC